Worth It: Kitchen Progress Sneak Peek

Happy Halloween! I still have more to cover on this whole kitchen update, but sometimes all you need are a few quick photos to remind yourself that things are heading in the right direction. Since these photos were taken in the dark, I figured it was decent timing for today’s (attempt at spooky?) post.

My dad, uncle, and his brother were over at the house for the last day to install the sink, faucet, and countertop while I was in class. I don’t have the opportunity to get into all of the other details yet, but it’s time I showed you a glimpse of all of the progress made in that single week:

When I came home from class & settled into bed last weekend, I took a quick snapshot from my phone. If I squint just right, I can almost see my new kitchen.

Just to give myself a little boost that night, I also test-drove the mineral oil/beeswax mixture that I’m using to treat the new walnut butcher block countertops. I do these kinds of things to keep my motivation to finish projects. And they are effective. Swoon. If I wasn’t 100% sure before this point, I’m damn sure I made the right choice now.

I have a little more sanding and painting to do, but I’m on my way!

What have you been using to motivate yourself lately? Do you test-drive swatches to feel like you’re making progress?

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About Sarah

Hey there! I'm Sarah. Can't cook. Don't have time to clean. Full time day job, weekend web designer, and single - with a garage full of power tools. I have a knack for getting paint all over ME instead of the wall, but I'm determined (hissy fits and all) to turn a 1980s eyesore into a young, modern home. Join me for all of the fun and frustration... and bring your paint brush!

Comments

Love the countertops. I just bought some 9″ tongue and groove walnut flooring. I am going to build the countertop for our new island out of it. How did you decide on the beeswax/mineral oil mixture. Where can I go for ideas as to what to use? Keep up the great work!!!!

I read a lot of reviews online and it seemed to make the most sense; you can pick it up online or in the hardware stores (I got mine at HD). I’ll have a bigger post all about treating them when all is said and done, so be on the lookout for it. And good luck with your project!

Producer contacted me & said it won’t be until next week, so I’ll put a post up all about it when the first one can be seen. They are all going to be on SheKnowsTV, so unless I’m mistaken, you’re only going to be able to catch them online. Details will go up as soon as I have them though!

Love the counters! We just picked up butcher block from LL last night and are installing it Saturday. My dad will be reading your posts on making the cuts! :) Looking forward to your finishing post (I want to go the mineral oil/beeswax route too).

Ahhh it’s coming together… I feel like I’m getting a new kitchen by following your reno and I just love it! I know I’ve said/tweeted it a million times now, but I’m so anxious to see it finished! Keep up the good work. :)

This morning I threw some sheepskin rugs down on the bedroom floor to keep me reminded that neeeeeed to do little updates to the room, but each little one makes a difference. Whatever gets you to get the job done!
Also, those counters are going to be FABULOUS!

Did you paint the underside of your upper cabinets? I didn’t when I first painted my cabinets but then it bothered me that the underside was a different color. It actually brightened the kitchen a bit.

I’m thinking of putting lighting down there and possibly surrounding the new lights with a new piece of wood on the bottom to make the whole bottom area one smooth surface – so instead of taking time to paint them now, I’m just waiting on making that decision before I know it’s going to still be exposed at the end. If it is, they’ll likely get a coat of paint as well.

You know what I see when I look at that last picture? It’s like the countertop is a foggy mirror and you just swiped the middle clean of stream to reveal the shiny surface underneath. It looks absolutely beautiful. Definitely getting butcher block counters one day!

Hi, I found your blog by accident. I am using reclaimed bowling alley as countertop. I would like to know how you connected your 45 degree angles together? Did you use a bisquet joiner or other method? Thanks!

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